World Boxing Champions Promotions
KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The boxing gym is Antonio Vargas’ second home.
“I’ve been doing this since I was 9,” he said. “Man, so this is kind of like all I know, and it’s a happy place for me.”
On July 30 in Japan, the Kissimmee-born fighter will step into the ring for the 22nd bout of his professional career, facing former champion Daigo Higa — and this time, a world championship is at stake.
Just weeks ago, Vargas was elevated to WBA bantamweight world champion, a moment years in the making. Even so, the title comes without the fight he originally envisioned.
“It feels good, no doubt,” Vargas said. “But I wanted to win it in the ring. The champion I was scheduled to face got injured, so it doesn’t feel complete yet.”
The moment represents a dramatic shift from where his life stood just six years ago.
After suffering the first knockout loss of his career against Jose Maria Cardenas, Vargas began questioning his future in the sport.
“Getting knocked out for the first time really shook me,” he admitted. “That’s every fighter’s worst fear.”
Although he bounced back with two straight wins, the emotional toll lingered. The spark that once drove him into the ring slowly faded.
“I was out of boxing for almost two years,” Vargas said. “It messed with my head and my confidence. I was working in a warehouse, thinking, ‘If this is my life forever, I’m not going to be fulfilled.’”
That moment of clarity brought him back to boxing — not for personal glory, but for something greater.
“My kids are my motivation now,” Vargas said. “I want them to see that their father fell, stood back up, and became something great again. That’s the legacy I want to leave behind.”